I RECENTLY picked up my wife from a shopping mall after she spent the day with her best friend — someone she had not seen in years. Her friend works abroad and was back in Malaysia for a short holiday.
Even in the car, their conversation continued, overflowing with stories and laughter. I could sense the sincerity in their bond.
It reminded me of my friendships that have stood the test of time — how they shape not just who we are, but how we see the world around us.
On the way to sending her home, I pointed out the Merdeka 118 tower and mentioned a recent meeting I had on its 91st floor. Her friend responded by saying the building’s spire resembled the outstretched hand of Tunku Abdul Rahman during the declaration of independence.
That sparked a lively exchange in the car. My second daughter shared that her school would be celebrating Merdeka soon — and that there might not be any lessons that day, so she hoped to skip it. My eldest quickly teased her, saying that she was not being patriotic.
That conversation during the car ride brought me back to my youth. I thought of Wong, my close schoolmate, whom I had not met in over 20 years. He, too, lives abroad.
I still remember one afternoon during our secondary school days when I told him I could not attend our school’s Merdeka activity preparation because my bicycle had broken down.
Without hesitation, he offered to pick me up — even though it meant a 30-minute ride through hilly roads, followed by another 20 minutes to school. Not to mention an extra 50 minutes for him to send me home after.
I was reluctant, but he insisted. We ended up going together, with me riding on the back of his bicycle. That simple act of kindness has stayed with me.
Another memory that stands out is a weekend camping trip organised by our Red Crescent Association. It was the first time Wong and I were attending. Kumaran, another close friend, initially said he could not join us but did not explain why.
We persuaded him to come, believing his presence would make it more fun. On the day of the camp, while most of us arrived with camping bags, Kumaran came carrying a few red plastic grocery bags filled with his clothes and supplies.
Seeing that, I immediately felt regret for persuading him. If I had known, I would have offered him a proper bag. Still, we had fun — and that weekend remains one of my most cherished memories of sincere friendship.
While pursuing my studies in Germany, I met Kelvin and Vishnu, fellow Malaysians. We clicked instantly and became close friends. Sincerity came naturally.
We supported each other, respected our cultural and religious differences, and extended that same understanding to our international classmates. Although we haven’t met in person for some time, we had an online chat last year, and the bond remains strong.
As Malaysia prepares to celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day, I reflect on what these occasions truly mean to me. Beyond sovereignty and unity, they symbolise the power of sincere friendships — connections that transcend background, race and beliefs.
If more of us can nurture such bonds in our lives, then perhaps Malaysia will achieve its truest form of Merdeka.
The writer is chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA)
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
